MEET SHAIFUL!

Icon of Class: Whitney Houston ... We Will Always Love You

She is the songstress whose voice echoes across many generations; a timeless star whose award-winning body of works will remain reverberating in our ear drums in the next hundred years and beyond. Like other superstars of her contemporary, the arrival of Whitney Houston into the global music scene thirty years ago has not only made her an instant household name across the globe, thanks to her chart-topping, radio-busting singles such as “Saving All My Love for You”, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”, “I’m Your Baby Tonight”, and more. In fact, the former fashion model, throughout her lifetime, was also famous for her innate sense of style that oozes with glamour. From the sequin-drenched jacket in rainbow colours that she wore on stage during one of her many world tours to that black leather strapless dress and the futuristic acrylic collar in “It’s Not Right, But It’s OK” video, Whitney oftentimes defies the odds and always ready to wow the fashion critics with her take on style. In other words, she always take her chances. And yes, before Sarah Jessica Parker’s alter ego Carrie Bradshaw wore the dress with a huge flower neckpiece in Sex and the City 2 film, Whitney had rocked decades before Carrie and her girls were elevated to fashion icon status. Though her sudden demise three years ago shocked the world, the spirit of this New Jersey native remains alive. There is no place in this world where her songs can't be heard, either on the radios or individual stereos. Even her feature films — "Bodyguard" is to date, her most iconic and remembered film of all time — are still watched by her legion of loyal fans. In line with the third anniversary of her death, I have put together looks that are inspired by the looks of the beautiful late chanteuse throughout her career. To Whitney fans in Asia, do not forget to catch her biopic entitled "Whitney", starring America's Next Top Model alum Yaya DaCosta as the singing legend herself on Lifetime Channel, tonight at 9 p.m.And to Whitney, wherever you are, we will always love you. Rest in Peace.

EDITOR'S LOVE LETTER

One month from now, Christmas will be upon us, followed by New Year. Again, shopping malls and stores are literally screaming, “’Tis the season to go shopping!”

If in the previous years, our choices were limited to four collections – spring/summer, pre-fall, fall/winter and cruise - per year, the recent years have seen quite a surprising change. Spring has been separated from summer into a distinctive collection and same goes to winter – on its own. Overall, there are FIVE collections in a year! Does this mean yay or nay?

To the retailers, it is a certain 'yay' because it will lead to greater profit generation. To fashionistas who are always hungry for new clothes, it also means a huge ‘yay’ as they can keep on hunting for what’s new every day of the week. But what about fashionistas who are into fashion but lag behind when it comes to the finance part? A really tough situation, I suppose.

In this kind of situation, most fashionistas are torn between ready-to-wear and the accessories. To the accessories camp, accessories are worth investing in as they are not prone to seasons.

Take Birkin for instance. Regardless of what year or season, a black alligator hide 50cm Birkin in glossy finish is always relevant and goes well with anything, even in the next thousand years to come. So is Céline Luggage bag by Phoebe Philo that not only practical but also stands the test of time. Safe-keep them well and they can be the best heirlooms any girl could ask for.

While ready-to-wear is never a man’s problem, since menswear silhouettes and looks remain much the same season after season, the problem is more obvious with women.

Being season prone, many smart shoppers opt to stick with iconic or permanent pieces. Not only they are forever relevant but most importantly, they often last for a lifetime! Yet, there is a downside to it, if you were cash-strapped: They cost more than seasonal pieces. Furthermore, do not expect them to be seen on the sale rack once the season ends.

Speaking of permanent pieces, one of my favourite permanent or iconic looks that can be worn from day to night is the wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Simple yet sexy, practical yet chic, the wrap dress has stood the test of time since it was first produced in the 1970s.

Furthermore, its appeal also lies in one fact every chic woman embrace: A wrap dress does not bring out the je ne sais quoi of a French woman or the cosmopolitan elegance of a New Yorker in you. Instead, it enhances your femininity, regardless of your age, your race, or your social background. Just as true as its creator once said, “Feel like a woman, wear a dress.”

So, no matter what your choice is, always remember that comfort is the main key to happiness and satisfaction. After all, having to walk and pose in pain for that bandage dress can be a waste of time, dear!

From me and Fashion Heaven Rants, wishing you a very chic Merry Christmas ahead!

Beaucoup d’Amour

Shaiful

WHO WEAR WHAT?

Sharon Stone seen with Mademoiselle Longchamp bag at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)